Reply To: April 2026 challenge topic is Using Backlighting for Subject Separation

[Ian]

Thanks, Elena, for pulling this all together. Certainly pushed me out of my comfort zone to learn new skills. I am enjoying the other images and your encouraging feedback.

I thought I would practice this on land first. A couple of hours in my blacked-out garage with multiple plants and grandkids’ toys, until I stumbled across the cactus, perfect. I wanted something like this as we have some sponges that I would like to backlight on my next dives. This was very close. I also thought it best to resemble the transparent/branching nudis that we encounter at Nelson Bay.

My intent was to:

1. Try
   various backlighting positions, including background only and adding subtle
   fill
2. Experiment
   “torch” vs “strobe” for backlighting
3. Provide
   background separation
4. Create
   a “glow around the back edges
5. Accentuate
   and communicate the fine, detailed texture and internal shapes
6. Ensure
   some of the foreground detail was visible
7. To add
   to the visual experience by invoking a stronger emotional connection with the
   viewer

My tools,

• Nikon
  D850 ,60mm macro lens F16, SS 1/60 second.
• Subject
  approx 6”, 15 cm. Subject distance about 12 inches – 30 cm.
• Fill
  light on housing, no arm. Backlight about 6”, 15 cm from the back of the subject at
  about 135 degrees and up about 30 degrees. Both strobes had Chris Miles restrictors
  to help focus and control the light. I found the snoot just too
  tight/small for this situation.

What I learnt – IMAGE SOOC – no developing

1. My
   torches were not powerful enough – only about 850 lumens, so my strobes
   worked just fine
2. I
   had to be careful to create excessive hot spots as I wanted a more even
   effect
3. I preferred
   a little downward rear angle to enable some of the backlight to spill over
   the foreground
4. Adjusting
   the frontal fill changes the look and feel, depending upon my intent.
5. I need to be patient and very careful
   when placing and setting strobe power
6. The
   land-based practice was invaluable; it enabled me to experiment, review,
   and reflect carefully
7. Overall
   happy with the practice/reflection – now to bring it all together UW